Outline · [ Standard ] · Linear+ Passing along some packaging/shipping tips, Save time, $ and headaches! Please read

[jaderock]

Here are two tips that I would suggest people consider when making trades/sales:

It is wise to package and ship your cards off the same way you expect to receive a package. However, everone has their own perference, so here are some general guidelines that will make the transactions go more smoothly AND protect the card(s) better.

Packaging for single cards should at least include the following:

1. Penny sleeve
2. Top loader with transparent tape used at the opening
3. Cardboard or empty toploader sandwich taped down
4. Team Bag (optional)
5. Bubble Mailer with a couple of "weightless" styrofoam popcorn to "puff" up the package to meet the USPS requirement of 3/4" thickness (especially important if you use "in person" Delivery Confirmation (DC).

I encourage the use of DC when shipping. It shows the trader/buyer that you actually sent at a specific date vs "yeah...I sent it on Monday...I think"! DC is available in the USA only.

Save time and money on shipping:

If you use Paypal, you can save alot of time and money on shipping!

Advantages:
* Delivery Confirmation is only .17 vs .75 (in person at the post office)
* You can drop it off in the Metered Mail Box or hand it to your postman. In fact, if it's a PROIRTY Mail item you can schedule a FREE Pickup!
* A metered package DOES NOT require 3/4" THICKNESS like the "in person" package that needs DC! (Note: actually it does, but 9 out of 10 of these online mailers I get never are that thick)
* Lasty, a metered package only takes 2-3 days from coast to coast - in all honesty it's just as fast as proirity mail!!! Give it a try - you'll be glad that you did!
---
How to do it:
If you're an active ebayer, just print a label for an item that was previously sold - making changes to the "To" addressee.
OR
Simply make a .01 payment to the other party involved in the transaction as "Goods, Others" (DO NOT use quasi cash), so they can print a label by hitting the "ship" button.

Any questions, please send me a Private Message (PM).

This post has been edited by jaderock: Nov 26 2007, 01:22 AM

[skatalite]

But I don't like using tape or like it when people use it.

I'd much rather have my cards in a team bag... Even if it takes a couple bags.

And meter mail: that's just sticking it in my mailbox right?

[jaderock]

But I don't like using tape or like it when people use it.

I'd much rather have my cards in a team bag... Even if it takes a couple bags.

And meter mail: that's just sticking it in my mailbox right?

Transparent tape doesn't leave sticky residue and yes "sticking it in mailbox" is fine.

[skatalite]

Ew to tape. But that's just me!

BUT if someone does use tape, please create a tab to make it easier to pull off

And thanks for the thread. I know I appreciate it.

[pmiller]

im kinda new to this so can someone help me out on what toploader and all the other stuff is...

[skatalite]

im kinda new to this so can someone help me out on what toploader and all the other stuff is...

Here you go:

•Penny sleeve — a thin sleeve used to help protect cards. These can be found nearly every where from Wal-Mart to local hobby shops. A bag of 100 usually costs $1.

•Toploader — a thicker plastic holder that cards are put into. They also can be found nearly everywhere in some form or another. There are varoius tickness and sizes. Normally, a pack of 25 toploaders costs $1.25.

•Team bags — plastic baggies with adhesive ends that hold cards and toploaders. They help protect the cards during shipping. Normally, a pack of 100 costs $2.

•Bubble mailers — an envelope with bubble padding. They can be found at your local post office, Wal-Mart or office stores. A pack of 10 usually sell for $3.

Hope that helps!

[ffman]

•Bubble mailers — an envelope with bubble padding. They can be found at your local post office, Wal-Mart or office stores. A pack of 10 usually sell for $3.

Hope that helps!

I've found that bubble mailers are much cheaper at Walmart than the post office (and least our post office).

[tex333]

I've found that bubble mailers are much cheaper at Walmart than the post office (and least our post office).

I got a pack of 24 at Walmart for five dollars. My post office charges a Dollar a mailer!

[ffman]

I got a pack of 24 at Walmart for five dollars. My post office charges a Dollar a mailer!

Here too - like $1.06 for one!

I sent off three packages yesterday. Since I bought mailers at Wal-Mart, it just cost me around $1.60 at the post office. I saved around....$2-3 overall by buying the mailers at Wal-Mart with that one trip.

[-Drifter-]

As an FYI, I just used the Multi Order shipping option and I was able to create a single shipping label

[Go18]

Also, reuse the bubble mailers!! Works great with some packing tape and paper!!

[gregorium]

Also, reuse the bubble mailers!! Works great with some packing tape and paper!!

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle! There's no reason you can't be a GREEN collector!

[CardCraze]

I know i cut up old bubble mailers and use em.

Heres what i do:

2. I put mine inside a padded envolope before putting it in a bubble mailer.

1. I cant stress it enough, make sure u make a scan or a copy, i even print out the scan and include it in the bubble mailer, this is so if the card arrives damagd, you can prove it was not you but the fault of the mail or someone is trying to scam u.

[Tarasadie17]

As I am reviewing some of TCC's recent transactions, it became quite apparent that some members should review this thread.

[Snick103]

Bubble Mailers can also be bought for 15 cents a piece on average on EBAY and that includes shipping when bought in bulk I

[SaltyCollector25]

I want to start doing DC #'s on the stuff I send out, can someone help me, how do you set up a DC #, and just stuff like that, is there a website?
Please Help
Thanks A TON
~SC25

[BlackJack]

You can get them at the P.O. Your pack you are sending out has to be 3/4 in. thick. It cost .65 or .75 on top of normal shipping cost.

I want to start doing DC #'s on the stuff I send out, can someone help me, how do you set up a DC #, and just stuff like that, is there a website?
Please Help
Thanks A TON
~SC25

[ffman]

Also another suggestion:

If you plan on using a white envelope (not a good idea for higher-end trades), discuss it with your trading partner first.

In my opinion envelopes are fine for small base or insert trades, but it's always best to let the other member know.

[bostonbruinsandceltics]

speaking of team bags, does anyone know were i can get these? My local shops no longer carry them!! I love them but just cant find them anymore!!!

[hodee5]

Just thought I'd add another shipping tip! Anybody print postage at home through Paypal? I know it's easy if you sell to print a postage label, but what about if you just want to send a bubble envelope for a trade on here? I've searched through Paypal high and low, but just can't find the right button to click on to make it happen. Did some surfing and came up with a link(copy and paste), https://www.paypal.com/us/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_ship-now , and that takes you to the login page for Paypal. Login in, and your side is already filled out as the sender, and you fill who it's going to, package size, weight, and if you want DC for .18! Make sure you have your popup blocker off to print the postage label! Of course you'll need a Paypal account, and a scale helps with the weight. Got my scale from the wife for my birthday! I think it works pretty slick.....thanx much, Jeff